ENGLAND goalkeeper David James could emerge as a shock target for Manchester United in January .

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will assess Ben Foster’s form and Edwin van der Sar’s return from injury over the next couple of months before deciding on James.

Van der Sar is due to return from injury on Saturday and, in a further blow to Foster, has vowed to hold on to his spot for another season, saying: “I do want my place back.”

Portsmouth are already braced for a battle to hang on to James in January but know they would be virtually powerless to stop him from moving to Old Trafford.

And he would be eligible to play in the Champions League. James, who would cost only about £1million, proved he is the leading candidate to start next summer’s World Cup as first-choice for England by producing an assured performance in the 1-0 defeat against Ukraine.

It is expected James will start England’s fi nal World Cup qualifier against Belarus tomorrow, with Robert Green, sent off against Ukraine, suspended.

Foster has been less than convincing in his efforts to prove he can succeed Van der Sar, 38, who is yet to play this season after breaking two bones in his hand.

Van der Sar made his comeback from injury in a reserve game against Everton last week and Ferguson will now monitor his recovery .

“Ben has had a couple of unlucky moments but I’m sure he is going to bounce back from this,” said Van der Sar. “He has the strength of character to overcome what